To fix a blown subwoofer, you will need to first identify the cause of the blown sub. Typically, this is caused by amplifier failure, channel imbalance, thermal compression, or poor maintenance (not replacing a blown fuse, for example).
Once the cause has been identified, the next step is to repair or replace the damaged component. Depending on the cause, you may be able to repair the subwoofer yourself, or you may need to take it to an audio shop to have a professional look at it.
If your subwoofer has blown due to amplifier failure, you will need to either repair the amplifier or replace it. You can find instructions online for replacing or servicing most amplifiers, but if there is an issue with the amp’s circuitry, you may need to have it serviced by an audio technician.
If your subwoofer has blown due to a channel imbalance, you may need to adjust the level control on your amplifier. This typically involves setting the left and right channels to match each other, or the subwoofer itself may need to be tweaked.
Again, if you are unsure, you should take it to an audio technician.
If your subwoofer has blown due to thermal compression, this means that the voice coil has overheated and melted the surrounding insulation. If this is the case, you will need to replace the subwoofer.
Finally, if the blown subwoofer is due to poor maintenance, you may be able to fix the issue by simply replacing a blown fuse or servicing the amplifier.
Fixing a blown subwoofer is a complex process so it is recommended that you take it to an experienced audio technician if you are unable to repair the problem yourself.
Does a blown subwoofer still work?
A blown subwoofer will not work properly as intended. It may produce distortion, humming noises, or no sound at all. The subwoofer’s cone may be deformed and no longer move correctly. This is caused by pushing too much power through the subwoofer and forcing it to produce more sound than it is designed to handle.
If the voice coil has become damaged, it may be burnt and no longer produce sound correctly. In such a case, the speaker may need to be replaced with a new one. However, if the subwoofer has simply become overloaded, it may be possible to repair it by replacing the high-power amplifier or components that caused the blowout.
Is it worth repairing a subwoofer?
Whether it is worth repairing a subwoofer depends on a few factors, such as the cost and age of the subwoofer. Generally speaking, subwoofers more than a few years old have outdated technology, may be difficult to repair, and can be replaced relatively inexpensively.
If the subwoofer is relatively new and has a minor issue, it may be worth repairing. Depending on the problem, the labor and parts may not cost too much more than the value of the subwoofer.
Additionally, if the subwoofer is a part of a larger system — such as a home theater setup — and removing it breaks up the system’s configuration, there may be greater value in attempting to repair the subwoofer than replacing it.
To make sure that a repair is worth the cost, it is a good idea to get a cost estimate from a professional in order to weigh the difference between the cost of the repair and the price of a new subwoofer.
In some cases, the cost of repairs can be surprisingly low, and may provide a better value than a new subwoofer.
What happens when a subwoofer blows?
When a subwoofer blows, it typically means it has experienced some kind of failure. This can be a result of a power overload, physical damage (i. e. a hole torn in the cone), or possibly just age-related wear and tear.
Symptoms of a blown subwoofer could include buzzing or popping sounds, low or absent bass frequencies, and even visible damage to the cone. In some cases a subwoofer can manifest what seems like a broken or distorted sound without any physical signs of damage.
When a subwoofer is blown, the best thing to do is contact the manufacturer to see if they offer any kind of repair or replacement services. Depending on the cause of the failure, you may be able to fix the problem yourself with some research on the internet, or you may need the assistance of a technician.
If possible, it’s best to keep the subwoofer in the same condition as it was when it failed, as this can help the manufacturer or repair shop assess the state of the unit and provide a solution.
How do I tell if a sub is blown?
Including checking for distortion, listening for odd noises, and testing the impedance.
Distortion is one of the most common signs that a subwoofer has blown. When the low-frequency drivers (woofers) become damaged, they will no longer be able to move freely, causing distorted and muddy sound.
If you notice that the bass sounds “broken” or “crackly,” then it is likely that the subwoofer is blown.
Another sign that a subwoofer is blown is if you hear odd noises when it is playing. These noises may sound like a popping or rattling sound, and may be accompanied by a decrease in volume. This can occur if the glue that holds the woofer in the suspension has come loose, allowing it to move more freely and cause loud noises during playback.
Finally, you can test the impedance of the subwoofer to see if it is good or bad. Impedance measures how well the subwoofer can handle electrical signals, and a blown subwoofer will often have too low an impedance for good sound quality.
To test the subwoofer, you should use a multimeter to measure the input voltage and look for any dips or spikes in the impedance. If the impedance reading is too low, then the sub is likely blown.
Why does my subwoofer smell like burnt rubber when it plays?
When a subwoofer smells like burnt rubber when playing, it tends to be a sign that there is a problem with the subwoofer. This could be caused by a variety of things including, a short circuit in the subwoofer, a faulty power supply, a malfunctioning crossover, a weak signal, or a distortion in the signal.
If the smell persists, it is best to take the subwoofer to a repairshop to diagnose the issue. In the meantime, it could be beneficial to check some of the inputs of the subwoofer and make sure no loose wiring is causing the issue, and to even check the fuse that is connected to the power supply to make sure it is not the cause of the issue.
How long should a subwoofer last?
The longevity of a subwoofer will depend on a few factors, including its quality, the amount of use it gets, and the environment it is used in. Higher quality subwoofers should last longer and be less prone to failure than lesser quality models.
Also, if the subwoofer is used frequently or played at higher volumes and bass levels, it can have a reduced lifespan. Lastly, if the subwoofer is exposed to extreme temperatures or large amounts of dust or moisture, it can cause damage or even shorten its life significantly.
Generally speaking, a good quality subwoofer should last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on how it is being used and taken care of. Keep in mind, however, that this is just a general guide, and some subwoofers may last longer or shorter depending on the specific circumstances.
What causes a subwoofer to pop?
A subwoofer can pop for several reasons, including an overload of electrical power, a dead short, a loose wire connection, over- driving, using the wrong kind of amplifier and subwoofer pairing, a blown fuse, incorrect low-pass filter setting, lack of amplifier gain control, or a damaged voice coil or speaker cone.
Overloading is the most common cause of subwoofer popping. When too much power is sent to the subwoofer, it causes the cone to move too quickly, resulting in a popped noise as the structure of the subwoofer absorbs the extreme energy.
A dead short is caused when the wiring of the subwoofer is loose or faulty, allowing too much electrical energy to flow through the subwoofer and causing it to pop. Alternatively, the incorrect pairing of the subwoofer and the amplifier can cause a problem.
The subwoofer might not be compatible with the specific amplifier, and this mismatch could generate an excessive voltage, leading to the subwoofer popping. Lastly, a blown fuse can cause a pop in the subwoofer if the amp has a blown main fuse, or if the subwoofer has a blown high-level fuse due to a dead short.
Why did my subwoofer stop working?
It is possible that there could be several reasons why your subwoofer has stopped working. Depending on the type of subwoofer you have and what types of devices you have connected to it, some potential causes for your subwoofer not working could include:
1. The power cord may not be properly plugged into the wall outlet. Make sure it is securely inserted.
2. Your subwoofer may need to be reset. Check the manual provided with the subwoofer to determine how to reset it.
3. The subwoofer may have a blown fuse. If it is a powered subwoofer, try replacing the fuse to determine if that fixes it.
4. Your receiving device may not be sending an amplified signal to the subwoofer. Check the settings to ensure that your amplifier is not disabled.
5. The input cords connected to the receiving device may be incorrectly plugged into the subwoofer. Make sure that the cords are securely connected.
6. The wires running from the receiving device to the subwoofer may be frayed, cut, or damaged. Examine the wires for any physical damage.
7. The subwoofer may have cooked its internal driver, especially if it has been running at very high volumes for extended periods of time.
8. The subwoofer may be set too low, or the receiving device may not be sending any sound when no sound is expected. Check the subwoofer settings and your receiving device’s volume settings.
9. If the subwoofer is connected to a computer, the computer may require a driver update. Check the manufacturer’s website for an available update.
It is also possible that the subwoofer may be faulty and in need of replacement. If none of the above steps seem to resolve the issue, then it is likely time for a new subwoofer.
How do I stop my subwoofer from blowing?
To stop your subwoofer from blowing, there are several steps you should take.
First, check all the wiring and connections that connect the subwoofer to the amplifier, speakers, and power source. Make sure they are secure and tight. If there is any loose or degraded wiring, replace it as soon as possible.
Second, make sure the subwoofer and amplifier levels are properly adjusted. Turn the amplifier levels down, and then slowly increase it until you reach the desired level. It’s important to not increase the volume too quickly, as this can cause audio distortion and increase the risk of blown speakers.
Third, ensure that your subwoofer has sufficient ventilation. Make sure it is not placed in an enclosed space, or in direct contact with metal or other materials that can block the air flow. Additionally, if the subwoofer has a cooling fan, make sure the fan is working properly.
Finally, check the subwoofer’s power source. Make sure you are using the right voltage levels and the right type of power adapter. Overvoltage can cause damage to your subwoofer, so it’s important to be sure that the power source is properly configured.
Following these steps should help to stop your subwoofer from blowing. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended that you contact a qualified technician who can diagnose and repair the problem.
Can a blown sub still play?
Yes, it is possible for a blown subwoofer to still play. A blown subwoofer can produce sound, although it may be distorted or unclear. Depending on how much damage the sub has sustained, it is possible for a blown sub to receive repairs and replacements that the user can complete on their own.
However, it is not recommended to try and repair a blown sub, as this could lead to further damage due to incorrect wiring or incorrect parts installed. Furthermore, it is important to note that if the subwoofer has sustained a lot of damage, this will not be able to be repaired.
It is best to replace the subwoofer as soon as possible.
What do blown subs sound like?
Blown subs sound like a loud distorted thumping sound. It is typically characterized by an artificial or hollow-sounding effect, with the bass lacking clarity and heavily distorted. In some cases, the sound may also include popping and crackling.
The sound may also be accompanied by smoke or a popping noise from the enclosure itself. Generally, a blown subwoofer will not respond to higher notes, as the cones on the subwoofer may be pushed too far forward and do not move back due to a lack of power.
Additionally, blown subwoofers are prone to overheating, which can cause further damage.
How do I know if my voice coil is blown?
To know if your voice coil is blown, the first thing to check is if there is any visible physical damage or discoloration on the coil itself. If there is, the coil is likely blown. You should also check if your speaker is producing any sound.
If not, this could be a sign of a blown voice coil. Additionally, if you’re using a multimeter, you can check for continuity in the coil. If there is no continuity in the coil, it could be a sign of a blown voice coil.
Lastly, you can check the impedance of the speaker with an impedance meter. If the resistance is higher than expected, this could be another sign that the voice coil is blown.
Can a blown subwoofer be repaired?
Yes, in most cases a blown subwoofer can be repaired. Depending on the severity of the damage and the type of subwoofer you have, the repair may be relatively simple or more complex. If the subwoofer has blown the woofer, then it will likely need to be replaced.
If the issue is simply a loose or broken connection, this may simply require tightening or re-soldering of wires.
If you are unsure of how to repair a blown subwoofer yourself, it is best to seek the help of a professional. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with a quote for the repair cost.
How do I know if my sub is blown with a multimeter?
In order to determine if your subwoofer is blown with a multimeter, you will need to check the Ohms resistance with the multimeter. To do this, you will need to disconnect the amplifier from your subwoofer and then connect the red and black leads of the multimeter to the input terminals.
Your multimeter should read the Ohms resistance for the subwoofer. If the reading is high (4-8) or 0 ohms, then your subwoofer may be blown. If the reading is normal (2-4) then your subwoofer may still be working fine.
It is important to remember however, that checking the Ohms resistance with a multimeter is not an infallible method of checking that your subwoofer is blown and should only be used as an initial check.
If your reading is not normal, it is best to have your subwoofer professionally tested by an audio specialist in order to be sure.
Why are my subs not as loud as they used to be?
The first thing to check is the settings on the amplifier and receiver. Make sure it is not set to a lower level than it used to be, and that there is not a noise reduction feature that is interfering with the sound.
If the settings are correct, then the next thing to check would be the physical condition of the subs. Subwoofers are more prone to wear and tear than other speakers, so it is possible that the actual equipment is experiencing some issues that are causing it to not perform optimally.
Make sure the cones are not damaged and that the parts are installed correctly. Also, check that the woofers are not clogged with dirt and dust, as this can impede the sound quality. Finally, check the room acoustics and make sure that the subs are not placed in an area where the sound waves are being absorbed.
Moving the subs around and playing with the placement can make a big difference.
